This might be the most common money question I get, and maybe even the most important: Should I hire a financial advisor?
And right behind it: If so, how do I find a good one?

In today’s episode, I’m not giving you a yes or no answer (sorry, not sorry). Instead, I’m walking you through a three-part framework to decide if you need an advisor—skill, will, and time—and then I’m sharing seven real-world filters for choosing the right one if you do.

Because the truth is:

• Working with a financial advisor might be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make.
• Or it might be an expensive, unnecessary distraction.

The difference lies in what you need and who you choose.

We’ll talk about:

• The difference between CFP®, CFA®, CPA, and the rest of the alphabet soup
• What being a “fiduciary” really means (and doesn’t mean)
• The myth of market-beating promises (run from those)
• Fee models that make sense—and those that don’t
• Why credentials are clues, but not the whole story
• How investing is often more about behavior than brilliance
• The one question you must ask every advisor: “How do you invest your own money?”

And yes, I even compare hiring a financial advisor to dating—because, honestly, it is.
This episode won’t give you a rubber-stamped answer, but it will give you something far more valuable: a lens to look through so you can make the call yourself.

🎧 Whether you’re DIY-ing your financial life or just trying to figure out if the grass really is greener with professional help—this one’s for you.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s wondering if they should “talk to someone” about their money.

📩 And as always, you can sign up for the free newsletter at tylergardner.com for more clear, action-oriented financial education.

He paid off $100K in debt and isn’t trying to sell you a thing — meet Dan the Budget Man.

In a financial world cluttered with gurus, grifters, and gatekeepers, Dan Brigham (@budgeters_anonymous) is a breath of fresh air. No paywalls. No “six-figure side hustle” webinars. Just brutally honest content, bite-sized math on notecards, and a contagious belief that you can take control of your money — excuses not included.

In this episode of Your Money Guide on the Side, we dive into the moments that shaped Dan’s mission, including his two-year journey out of over $100,000 in debt and why vulnerability—not credentials—is his currency of trust. We talk about his viral “Smart Guy vs. Dumb Guy” series, the backlash he gets over car payments (you’ve been warned), and why he thinks showing integrity is far more important than performing expertise.

You’ll also hear us unpack:

• What makes people defensive about money
• Why so many creators struggle with relevance and comparison
• How to stay grounded (literally and spiritually) when the work feels heavy
• The reality behind Austin’s finance/media scene
• And the books that actually changed our lives (spoiler: one’s still in print after 2,000 years)

If you’re tired of being yelled at by the financial internet or just want to hear two humans wrestle with what it means to help others and still help themselves—this one’s for you.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to subscribe if you’re into financial literacy, big questions, and small wins.

Is All Debt Bad? What the Wealthy Know That Most People Don’t

Debt doesn’t have to be your enemy—and in this solo episode, Tyler Gardner breaks down how to make smarter decisions about debt, ditch shame, and leverage it as a tool for long-term wealth.

Whether you’re currently drowning in high-interest credit cards, juggling student loans, or just debating whether to pay off your 3% mortgage early, this episode is your new north star for how to think clearly about debt. You’ll learn how to:

✅ Decide whether to pay off debt or invest
✅ Use a practical ranking system to tackle your debt (hello, Debt Emergency Scale!)
✅ Think about opportunity cost like an investor
✅ Understand the psychological weight of debt—and why some people sleep soundly with it while others spiral
✅ Use the avalanche or snowball method depending on your own wiring
✅ Flip the script: how leverage (yes, debt!) can be used strategically to build wealth the way entrepreneurs and investors do every day

Plus, Tyler shares a vulnerable reminder that debt isn't a moral failing—it's a part of modern life. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, action, and momentum.

This one is personal. And powerful. And might just change the way you think about debt forever.